2011 is finally wrapping up, time for the requisite retrospective and look forward. This was a strange year, a lot of change and uncertaintly but with that came much opportunity.

Just a few of my top Moment/Things/Experiences of 2011:

  1. Riding the Plains of Abraham at Mount St. Helens on an absolutely glorious late summer day
  2. Post-race at Singlespeed Worlds in Ireland, hanging out in the pub with both new and old friends
  3. My Caletti travel bike
  4. Hammerfest girls ride with Nina and Elisa, parking lot change and then Josh Ritter at Higher Ground. Kick ass night
  5. Flying through the aspens in CO during SSUSA2011
  6. Having a fun, creative kid who is now old enough to really do things
  7. In Maine, during the Carrabasset Backcountry Cycle Challenge, when my legs turned the power on and ate up the next 25 miles like they were candy
  8. Late summer night front yard adirondack chair star-gazing and bullshitting with my cousin Sue, her husband, and a bottle of bourbon
  9. Lunch rides – all of them
  10. All the times I smiled and thought that I’m the luckiest girl in the world, having more fun than anyone else

Chewy, me, and the Caletti at Old Head

It wasn’t all awesome and flowers though. I’m extremely thankful for my friends who have been with the IMs, the texts, the phone calls, the bike rides, the nights out. Whether you’re here in town or on the other side of the country, these friendships have meant a big deal to me this year – so thank you! Looking forward to being less of an emotional sink next year and being better able to push out some of what I received this year.

Hard to say exactly what’s ahead in 2012, here are the things I’m working toward:

  1. Finishing a 100-miler, probably the Shenandoah 100
  2. Lots more travel and adventure, Africa?
  3. SSAZ – wouldn’t miss this opportunity to escape winter and ride in the desert
  4. Helping George to make SSUSA2012 a kick-ass event
  5. Snowboarding, biking, hiking with my kiddo
  6. Attempt an overnight bike tour
  7. Get out and do stuff more often
  8. New-to-me races
  9. Podium!
  10. ? open for new adventures

dusk on the chairlift

I’m a lucky girl. A roof over my head, a job I enjoy, a smart kid, and family that loves and supports me, and the opportunity to explore the world. I’m so very thankful for all of it.